Cross River NPC meets UNICEF, Solicits Support for Population Services in 'Hard to Reach' Communities

The Federal Commissioner Representing Cross River State in the National Population Commission (NPC) Rt. Hon. Alex Ukam played host to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) delegation led by Mr. Ibrahim Sesay, Chief Child Protection Specialist of UNICEF to solicit support for effective delivery of population services in certain 'hard  to reach' communities in Cross River State.

Speaking at the Courtesy visit which held on Tuesday, June 27, 2024 at the NPC Headquarters Abuja, the Honourable Federal Commissioner, Cross River State noted that the import of the meeting was to build a collaborative effort between Cross River State NPC and UNICEF aimed at improving population services, particularly focusing on birth registration and logistical support in hard-to-reach areas. 

Rt. Hon. Ukam highlighted the key areas of urgent need to include: support for birth registration in Hard-to-Reach communities, provision of equipment and materials (such as printers, inks) for effective delivery of population services, modern technologies/electronic gadgets to process backlogs of unprocessed data, provision of utility vehicles, motorcycles, and boats to increase access to population services in these communities. 

The Honourable Federal Commissioner (HFC) equally emphasised the need for adequate funding for research geared towards improving population services in the state and called for extensive collaborations with other relevant stakeholders. 

In his response the leader of the UNICEF team Mr. Ibrahim Sesay commended the HFC for his articulate presentation and dynamic approach towards addressing the seeming challenges bedevilling population services in Cross River State. He acknowledged receipt of various areas of need and assures of UNICEF continuous support especially in the training of ad-hoc staff for the upcoming birth registration exercise intended to cover the entire state. He noted that the ad-hoc staff registration will be coordinated by NPC at the state level and Applicants will undergo testing and supervision by UNICEF for quality assurance purposes. 

Mr. Ibrahim reiterated the previous intervention of UNICEF to NPC in the State, noting that the organisation supported with materials for birth registration (certificates, forms B1 & B2, printers, trainings, etc.). He expressed concern over Cross River State's previous performance and emphasized on the importance for improvement if the commission must enjoy their continuous support as inability to achieve expected outcomes may mar future collaborations or support.

Also at the meeting was the Federal Commissioner representing Ebonyi State in  NPC (Dr. Jeremiah Ogbonna Nwankwegu), Mrs. Sharon Oladiji (Health Protection Specialist - UNICEF) and members of the Consulting firm for NPC in Cross River State.